Saturday, September 6, 2008

My painting is now complete. The painting, made using acrylic paint, is on canvas, measuring 16" by 20" This painting has some special added qualities for me. Included in the construction of the painting is the back side of parts of a leather cover of a poetry book my mom gave me titled

" Poems" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning". The book is dated 1866, 142 years ago. Included in this book is the poem, often referred to as "How do I love thee", written for her soon to be husband, Robert Browning. However, this well know "poem" is only a middle stanza. Here is the poem in its entirety.

First time he kissed me he but only kissedThe fingers of his hand wherewith I write,And ever since, it grew more clean and white,Slow to world greetings... quick with its "Oh, list,'When the angels speak. A ring of amethystI could not wear here, plainer to my sightThan that first kiss. the second passed in heightThe first, and sought the forehead, and half- missed,Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed!That was the chrism of love, which love's own crownWith sanctifying sweetness, did precede.The third upon my lips was folded downIn perfect purple state; since when indeed,I have been proud and said, " My love, my own!* * * * * * *How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sightFor the ends of Being and ideal Grace.I love thee to the level of every day'sMost quiet need, by sun and candle light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right,I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise,I love thee with the passion put to useIn my old griefs, and with my childhood faith.I love thee with a love I seemed to loseWith my lost saints- I love thee with the breath,Smiles, tears of all my life!- and if God choose,I shall but love thee better after death.Another special feature of this painting are slivers of actual rocks from Sedona, which make up a few sections of the picture's mountains. And, a very compelling force is the Church of the Holy Cross. Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd wright, designed this church after being inspired in 1932 by viewing a cross as she gazed on the Empire State Building. The church was not built until 1957. (and what a great year that was). Over 25,000 tons of rock were removed to build the structure.

1 comment:

This final version is spectacular. I love the colors and the textures. It really brings back memories of Sedona. And the use of the leather from this special book is especially inspired. Wish I could see it in person!!